From the time I requested to review the new album by Jackie D (titled The J Spot) to the time I got to the review, I’d forgotten what type of music they were. Upon seeing the name, for some reason, I thought they’d be a punk band. I guess I wasn’t far off; they’re a melodic hardcore band from Portugal with blues rock influences.
It always baffles me when a band’s first language isn’t English (check their Facebook page), but the singer sings with flawless English and a better American accent than I could put on. That’s the case with Jackie D as the album starts with Reach You, a blues/hard rock/punk track with the sound of a mellower The Bronx or Every Time I Die. It’s a great start to the album.
As the album progresses, you realise this is a very blues rock album. Especially on a song like My Fantasy which has a nice taste of southern-infused rock to it. There are definitely 70’s and 80’s rock influences here. Unfortunately, none of the further tracks lives up to the high standards of that first track. That’s not because it’s a bluesy album or anything, it just seems to be lacking . . . something. I can’t quite put my finger on it.
The album comes to an end with a couple of five plus minute songs which seem to drag on a bit especially considering that this is a short album: ten tracks and under forty minutes. Jackie D definitely do the three to four-minute songs better. While this is not a fantastic album, it’s an enjoyable enough that has the real potential to grow on me.
